U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) hosted a Summit on the Issues of Aging on Saturday in Hurst. The event attracted over 100 participants to learn about planning for their financial, medical and legal future needs.

“The event was designed to have individuals think through those decisions that inevitably we all face,” said Congressman Michael Burgess. “Although none of us likes to think about getting older, we must plan for that eventuality. I know that if my mother had not pestered me about purchasing Long Term Care, I too would have found myself in a position where the cost would be exorbitant or I might not be able to purchase it at all.”

In addition to brief remarks by the Congressman, the event included experts in their field discussing what lies ahead and what decisions should be made now.

Emcee Gary Cumbie, Special Assistant to the Chancellor, Tarrant County College kicked off the event and handed the reigns over to Congressman Burgess who made a special presentation to Mr. Donald Wilson of North Richland Hills by presenting him with the Combat Action Ribbon he had been awarded in service to his country. The award was added to the Purple Heart and other awards he has already received for his honorable service in the U.S. Navy in Vietnam in 1967-68. Mr. Wilson was given a standing ovation by the crowd in honor of his sacrifice and dedication.

The first discussion centered on the personal side of aging with author Jim Comer who shared his struggle to help his parents as they aged and learned several lessons along the way. Mr. Comer’s rousing presentation set the tone for the important information to follow. The next discussion explored several legal issues, including how to plan trusts, power of attorney, and formulating wills presented by Steve Katten a member of the Tarrant County Bar Association. Next was a discussion on financial issues led by Glenn Bishop, a qualified financial planner with the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors. The final presentation was by Rod Perkins with Genworth who discussed the many options to cover future health care expenses.

In addition to the formal presentations, a health and financial fair took place at Tarrant County College’s Northeast Campus including the Tarrant County Area Agency on Aging, Tarrant County Health Department, Fort Worth Meals-on-Wheels, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Tarrant County Bar Association, and the Social Security Administration.